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Shattered Lives: A Brutal Murder, A Cop On The Edge
Suicides, hangings, shootings, car accidents, drownings, cliff falls, electrocutions …
Detective Peter Seymour has seen every type of death imaginable in his time in the NSW Coroner’s Court and, after many years in law enforcement, the tragedies are beginning to take their toll.
Dealing with death day in day out becomes too much for Seymour and this seasoned veteran starts to grapple with overwhelming feelings of fear and doubt. He decides to return to the police force hoping the operational work might offer some reprieve. Fate would have it otherwise as he is thrust straight back into an intense murder investigation.
One Friday night in the year 2000, Nick Hanes is heading home after a night out with his mates. Barely two-hundred and fifty metres from his home, he is set upon by two men. Bashed, beaten then murdered, Hanes dies after a senseless and random attack.
Seymour is called to the St Mary’s crime scene. He examines the body and discovers that there are very few clues, no leads and no witnesses. As the case unravels it takes every bit of his experience, tenacity and determination to not only discover the identity of the perpetrators but to also deal with his own demons that are beginning to spiral out of control.
Shattered Lives tells the true story of two men embarking on dangerous paths. One man finds himself the victim of a violent crime, the other searching for justice for the dead man’s family as he struggles with his own battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the result of a life spent giving his all for others. Both paths are intertwined, and there is no turning back.
Detective Peter Seymour has seen every type of death imaginable in his time in the NSW Coroner’s Court and, after many years in law enforcement, the tragedies are beginning to take their toll.
Dealing with death day in day out becomes too much for Seymour and this seasoned veteran starts to grapple with overwhelming feelings of fear and doubt. He decides to return to the police force hoping the operational work might offer some reprieve. Fate would have it otherwise as he is thrust straight back into an intense murder investigation.
One Friday night in the year 2000, Nick Hanes is heading home after a night out with his mates. Barely two-hundred and fifty metres from his home, he is set upon by two men. Bashed, beaten then murdered, Hanes dies after a senseless and random attack.
Seymour is called to the St Mary’s crime scene. He examines the body and discovers that there are very few clues, no leads and no witnesses. As the case unravels it takes every bit of his experience, tenacity and determination to not only discover the identity of the perpetrators but to also deal with his own demons that are beginning to spiral out of control.
Shattered Lives tells the true story of two men embarking on dangerous paths. One man finds himself the victim of a violent crime, the other searching for justice for the dead man’s family as he struggles with his own battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, the result of a life spent giving his all for others. Both paths are intertwined, and there is no turning back.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 28, 2023
Shattered lives by Australian authors Peter Seymour, Jason K. Foster is a work of non-fiction in the true crime, and social issues subgenres. It is best suited to the mature adult reading audience.
True crime stories have always fascinated us. Because some events are so inconceivable, they beggar belief. Seymour and Foster take readers on a journey through the events leading up to, surrounding, and after the incident on the murder of Nick Hanes in 2000. He was an innocent man on his way home after a night out with his mates. Two hundred and fifty metres from home his life was brutally taken from him by two men.
Filled with meaningful commentary and analysis of the crime it made it difficult to put down. It is packed with details about Nick and his life and family, not to mention Seymour and other detectives involved as they hunt down the perpetrators. No leads, no clues, and no witnesses It goes into detail on how they finally caught the two men.
The story is told in a straightforward, respectful manner and the words will make you feel everything, they are written with every emotion of which there are many and will reach deep in and to your core. It is a sad tale, incredibly harrowing to read, but sheds so much light on a horrific crime and personal impact.
Whilst reading the story the case will make the reader realize just how hard everyone in various police departments work to get justice for the families who have lost a loved one. Apart from the case itself, the ramifications of the event and the effect it has on one’s mental health such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, aggression, guilt, and a heightened sense of vulnerability is devastating.
This is more than just the story of a life cut short; it also brings home the fact that a murder investigation is complicated and frustrating and weighs heavily on those trying to solve the case.
Without doubt Seymour was committed to his work. He has seen it all and suffers from it. This will not be what every person goes through. However, it's a worthwhile piece of work and gives you a valuable insight into what can go on behind the scenes.
I commend Peter Seymour for his service as a police officer, detective, and police prosecutor.
The aftermath of crime is sordid, tragic, and ugly. I thank you for such an insightful book.
If you are a true crime fan Shattered Lives will hold your attention from the first page to the last.
I highly recommend to readers who enjoy true crime non-fiction.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace and Big Sky Publishing for the opportunity to tread and review.
True crime stories have always fascinated us. Because some events are so inconceivable, they beggar belief. Seymour and Foster take readers on a journey through the events leading up to, surrounding, and after the incident on the murder of Nick Hanes in 2000. He was an innocent man on his way home after a night out with his mates. Two hundred and fifty metres from home his life was brutally taken from him by two men.
Filled with meaningful commentary and analysis of the crime it made it difficult to put down. It is packed with details about Nick and his life and family, not to mention Seymour and other detectives involved as they hunt down the perpetrators. No leads, no clues, and no witnesses It goes into detail on how they finally caught the two men.
The story is told in a straightforward, respectful manner and the words will make you feel everything, they are written with every emotion of which there are many and will reach deep in and to your core. It is a sad tale, incredibly harrowing to read, but sheds so much light on a horrific crime and personal impact.
Whilst reading the story the case will make the reader realize just how hard everyone in various police departments work to get justice for the families who have lost a loved one. Apart from the case itself, the ramifications of the event and the effect it has on one’s mental health such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, aggression, guilt, and a heightened sense of vulnerability is devastating.
This is more than just the story of a life cut short; it also brings home the fact that a murder investigation is complicated and frustrating and weighs heavily on those trying to solve the case.
Without doubt Seymour was committed to his work. He has seen it all and suffers from it. This will not be what every person goes through. However, it's a worthwhile piece of work and gives you a valuable insight into what can go on behind the scenes.
I commend Peter Seymour for his service as a police officer, detective, and police prosecutor.
The aftermath of crime is sordid, tragic, and ugly. I thank you for such an insightful book.
If you are a true crime fan Shattered Lives will hold your attention from the first page to the last.
I highly recommend to readers who enjoy true crime non-fiction.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace and Big Sky Publishing for the opportunity to tread and review.
January 11, 2024
Many thanks to Beauty and Lace and Big Sky Publishing for my copy to read and review.
I deeply appreciate what law enforcement, first responders, paramedics and all the people involved in any sort of highly stressful situation deal with on a daily basis and the toll it takes on their lives as well as their families and people close to them.
This book gives a greater insight into this life as Peter Seymour takes us through his time in the force in his different roles. What he has done in this book is very brave as he puts himself out there for the world to see and understand just what he went through. I admire him for this. I think he did an outstanding job both on the job and in sharing his story. Peter admitted he knew he needed help and sought it. As described in the book many people don’t cope with this pressure and exposure to the dark side of people and life and commit suicide.
The book was well written. I particularly liked the part in his wife’s words describing just what is like to be a policeman’s wife. I also liked the details of just how the judicial system works. It was very educational.
Jason K Foster is also an author to look out for.
I deeply appreciate what law enforcement, first responders, paramedics and all the people involved in any sort of highly stressful situation deal with on a daily basis and the toll it takes on their lives as well as their families and people close to them.
This book gives a greater insight into this life as Peter Seymour takes us through his time in the force in his different roles. What he has done in this book is very brave as he puts himself out there for the world to see and understand just what he went through. I admire him for this. I think he did an outstanding job both on the job and in sharing his story. Peter admitted he knew he needed help and sought it. As described in the book many people don’t cope with this pressure and exposure to the dark side of people and life and commit suicide.
The book was well written. I particularly liked the part in his wife’s words describing just what is like to be a policeman’s wife. I also liked the details of just how the judicial system works. It was very educational.
Jason K Foster is also an author to look out for.
February 26, 2024
I felt like I was there! Every step of the way. An incredible read ! Written by an incredible man
February 5, 2024
Peter Seymour's narrative is heartfelt and delves into police procedural methods, unveiling investigative techniques against alleged perpetrators. It chronicles Pete's shift from Police Prosecutor to rejoining operational policing, humorously admitting his tech limitations. The collaboration between the older and younger officers adds a lot of energy to the pursuit of killers. Peter's revered return reflects his esteemed status. His unique approach, staying connected with victims' families and offering unwavering support, adds a compassionate layer. This book feels like you are there and provides an intimate look into Pete's family life, with heart-wrenching moments. This recommended read offers profound insights, applauding Peter's bravery in sharing experiences and highlighting the importance of seeking help in the face of life's darker aspects. This book provides so much insight into the lives' of law enforcement personnel and is highly recommended.
May 21, 2024
Peter Seymour writes about his life as a detective with honesty. Policing can be a brutal career choice as you witness some of the worst in society, but you can also witness some of the best.
His struggles dealing with the violence of what one person can do to another are vivid and painful. When it comes to children being harmed this cranks up the emotional impact and, as a father, he experiences a visceral reaction to the death or harm of any child.
His honesty in dealing with the mental health impact his years of policing had on him show the strength of character you need to have to survive in this area.
His commitment to getting a result had a negative impact on his family and he had to end up deciding how he could balance all of the demands of him as a detective and as a husband and father.
A compelling story. I'd really like to give this a 3.5 rating - but that option is not available.
His struggles dealing with the violence of what one person can do to another are vivid and painful. When it comes to children being harmed this cranks up the emotional impact and, as a father, he experiences a visceral reaction to the death or harm of any child.
His honesty in dealing with the mental health impact his years of policing had on him show the strength of character you need to have to survive in this area.
His commitment to getting a result had a negative impact on his family and he had to end up deciding how he could balance all of the demands of him as a detective and as a husband and father.
A compelling story. I'd really like to give this a 3.5 rating - but that option is not available.
August 14, 2024
Not a bad read, and surprisingly well written given how poor some other books in the genre are. An accurate and relatable look into the culture of detective work in Australia, ranging from the mundane, to the frustrating, the traumatic and community. Worth a read if you are interested in Australian true crime or police procedurals.
November 16, 2025
This book falls into the categories of true crime and social issues and is suggested for a mature adult audience.
It talks about Detective Peter Seymour's tough experiences in the NSW Coroner's Court. The book tells us about how he went from dealing with many deaths to going back to the police force and getting involved in a difficult murder investigation. The story is mainly about the brutal killing of Nick Hanes in 2000 and how they tried to bring justice. It also talks about Seymour's struggle with something called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
It talks about Detective Peter Seymour's tough experiences in the NSW Coroner's Court. The book tells us about how he went from dealing with many deaths to going back to the police force and getting involved in a difficult murder investigation. The story is mainly about the brutal killing of Nick Hanes in 2000 and how they tried to bring justice. It also talks about Seymour's struggle with something called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews